Filipino theater could be the next key to further strengthening our tourism pull.

Local theater figures made this bold statement at the recent Creative Tourism Conference put up by the Tourism Promotions Board. Fitting, as the event was held within the Metropolitan Theater, a location referred to as a phoenix risen from the ashes for our arts and culture scene.

Among those making their case were Philippine Educational Theater Association president Melvin Lee, Repertory Philippines artistic director Jeremy Domingo, and Full House Theater Company's Dexter Santos. Presiding over the talk was Pat Valera from the Barefoot Theatre Collaborative. All four shared ongoing productions from their respective theater groups and discussed how our theater scene continues to thrive. They also talked about how each of their theater groups found its start as a grassroots-style movement. For everyone present, the notion of theater being used as a pull for tourism was new and exciting.

Across Asia, our neighbors are already utilizing local theater movements. Japan is famous for its Kabuki theater, whereas shadow puppetry theater shines in places like Indonesia and China. Currently, we are starting to see more theaters being put up, with the Rockwell Proscenium Theater being the latest example. More shows, international and local, are being put in the spotlight and selling out fast. Even when flying out to other regions, there is great interest in the arts. Dexter shared how, when visiting other provinces, some young students put together their own shows with any available resources. All were in agreement that the use of social media has also helped in spreading the love for the arts.

When things wrapped up at the conference, there was an increased interest in the potential of tourism intertwining with theater. After all, these art forms showcase just how talented we can be onstage and also share untold stories of our culture from a different perspective. Think of how Lin-Manuel Miranda’s run with “Alexander Hamilton” sparked a sudden downpour of global interest toward one of the more overlooked founding fathers of the US. By tapping into this newfound perspective, we can continue to show why our showmanship shines with the crowd and attract others to come here to experience it firsthand.